Articles

 

Flight Engineer (FE) Corporal Andy Armstrong experienced two very moving events over the past month, both of which grew out of the tragic loss of two colleagues who lost their lives in a tragic helicopter crash in 1998.

Cpl Armstrong received the Gaetz-Sinclair Award in June 426 Operational Training Squadron at 8 Wing Trenton for finishing as the top new FE; shortly after, he participated in a ceremonial fly-past over the crash site where FE Sergeant Dave Gaetz and Master Corporal Glen Sinclair perished along with four of their fellow crewmembers aboard their CH-113 Labrador helicopter on October 2, 1998 near Marsoui, Quebec.  All six men were with 413 Squadron based at 14 Wing Greenwood.

             "It was an honour and privilege to receive this award, and to have my name associated with all the previous recipients," said Cpl Armstrong after receiving his award. "However, all that paled in comparison to being able to pay my respects at the memorial."

Cpl Armstrong and a crew from his home unit, 403 Helicopter Operational Training Squadron, located at CFB Gagetown, along with other Air Force personnel with personal ties to the deceased, flew aboard a CH-146 Griffon over the memorial, located in a remote, wooded area, not easily accessible by land. 

Among the personnel who joined Cpl Armstrong in flying over the site were Captain Doug Boyd, who knew and flew with all of the crewmembers aboard "Rescue 305" while he was completing his on-the-job-training at 413 Squadron, fellow 403 Sqn FE Master Corporal Kim Fournier, and Chief Warrant Officer Barry Bailey, an FE at 9 Wing Gander at the time of the crash.

"This horrific accident affected us all, and was especially tragic for those in the close-knit Search and Rescue (SAR) community," said 403 Squadron's Chief Warrant Officer Barry Bailey.  "When I found out Cpl Armstrong was being presented with the Gaetz-Sinclair award, I thought the timing was perfect for me to take a flight to Marsoui."

After flying over the south shore of the St-Laurence River, near Marsoui,

a picturesque little village nestled in a cove surrounded by mountains, the delegation spotted the memorial to "Rescue 305."

The aircraft made one final pass by the site and Cpl Armstrong, wreath in hand, paused for a moment then let it fall towards the memorial.

"When we arrived at the site of the memorial, it became very evident to me that the risks to those who fly for the Canadian Forces are very real," said Cpl Armstrong. "I found myself reflecting on the day when the crew of ‘Rescue 305' was, at one moment, enjoying the beautiful scenery of the Gaspé and then the next, ever so quickly faced with a catastrophic event - that had a profound affect on my mind. This has brought home the fact that it is important to take nothing for granted and live every minute to the fullest."

Many Search and Rescue personnel are among the most highly decorated in the Canadian Forces, having received the Star of Courage, or Medal of Bravery, for their selfless acts of courage and bravery.  Every day, these "Golden Angels" of the Air Force risk their own lives "so that others may live." 

All new CF FE strive to receive the Gaetz-Sinclair Award - both as recognition for a job well done, and for the chance to do their part in keeping the memory of fallen comrades alive.  The memorial flight over Marsoui is proof positive that this year's winner, Cpl Armstrong, is a deserving receipient who is doing his part to keep the memory of "Rescue 305" alive.

Master Warrant Officer Jean-Guy Lizotte is the Deputy/Unit Information Officer with 403 Helicopter Operational Training Squadron. 

by Master Warrant Officer Jean-Guy Lizotte and Holly Bridges